MEDIA RELEASE
When the annual Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2011 readers’ survey results were announced in the magazine’s August issue, Hawaii Island won big in two important categories.
The readers of Travel + Leisure voted Hawaii, the Big Island the top Hawaiian Island, and ranked the island No. 7 on the list of Top Islands Overall in the World’s Best Awards 2011 readers’ survey.
Voting took place from Dec. 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011.
Hawaii Island is also home to the top resort hotel in the state: the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is ranked No. 1 on the World’s Best Award s 2011 list of Top Resorts in Hawaii and is also ranked No. 28 on the list of Top Hotels Overall.
And Travel + Leisure’s list of the Top 25 Resorts in Hawaii includes four other Big Island resorts: the Hapuna Beach Prince at No. 6, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel at No. 7, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows at No. 11, and The Fairmont Orchid at No. 15.
Rankings are based on ratings hotels received by readers in five categories: Rooms/Facilities, Location, Service, Restaurants/Food, and Value.
In the Best Islands category, readers ranked their favorite islands in five categories: Natural Attractions, Activities/Sights, Restaurants/Food, People, and Value.
“These outstanding rankings show that Travel + Leisure readers have discovered all that is special about our island, and they are recommending us to their friends and family,” Mayor Billy Kenoi said. “With our five national parks, our world-class lodging options, our rich living history, and residents who welcome visitors with aloha – not to mention the world’s most beautiful erupting volcano – I’m not surprised that our visitors love our island as much as we do.”
The award announcements come at a great time for visitors who might now be considering a trip to the Big Island.
Since June, there have been new nonstop flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Hilo International Airport, as well as other daily nonstop flights from the U.S. mainland and Canada to Kona International Airport, and a host of interisland flights from Honolulu to both airports.
For more information and complete survey methodology, visit www.TravelandLeisure.com/worldsbest
It is also the cradle of the Hawaiian civilation. In my novel Wai-nani High Chiefess of Hawaii-Her Epic Journey-Wai-nani takes you to many of the significant historical sites still easily accessed on the Island. The tale follows the dymanic rise of Kamehameha the Great to power.
Thanks for the info! We’re in the beginning stages of planning our Hawaiian vacation and doing a lot of research. One of our favorite Big Island resorts is Sheraton Keauhou Bay – looks so nice and they have a lot of great deals!